Back to School means Back to Lessons!

August means the end of summer and the beginning a brand new school year for the kiddies.  New books, new friends and best of all new knowledge!  Learning is a gift and we should take advantage of every opportunity we have to expand our knowledge.  Why not use the start of the 2012 School year to jump start your music career?  Or to expand your understanding of an instrument??

Learning to play an instrument can do many things like increase your IQ, improve time management skills, increase self confidence and creativity, expand memory capacity and most importantly it can promote happiness.  Who couldn't use a little help with their memory??  Music has a multitude of benefits, the first step is getting started. You can become a musician at any age, all it takes is a little courage.

The Internet is a valuable tool that can give you loads of information about any subject under the sun.  Take this blog for example, we try to give you useful or thought provoking information that will hopefully help you in some way, or simply entertain you.  The Internet can also be used to teach you to play an instrument.  This is a good way to get started, but to really be accomplished and have an in depth understanding of how it should look, sound and feel to play the instrument you need one on one instruction.  A video on the Internet can't critique how your fingers move or encourage you quite the way a real live person can.  There are plenty of accomplished musicians out there willing to share their knowledge, take advantage of it!!

We offer a fantastic lessons program here at Capo's.  Our instructors offer flexible hours, reasonable rates and a wide variety of skills to accommodate most styles.  We have some of the most talented instructors in the region with loads of skills and experience to help you become the best player you can be.  For more information on our lessons program call the store at 276-525-1880 or see our website for details. www.caposmusicstore.com/instructors.

Sweet Tea and Front Porches

Summer in Appalachia. It's a beautiful time of year and it makes you stop and think how lucky we are to live in this area.  What could be better than sunshine, mountain breezes and crisp cool lakes and streams?  Unfortunately, some have not discovered the natural beauty of Appalachia, it's an often overlooked area.  The culture of Appalachia was built on the backs of hard working ancestors who were not afraid of long hours and back breaking work, and that attitude continues with a new generation.  Appalachians are becoming more appreciative and taking more pride in our region and what we have to offer.  Afterall, our music, food, culture and natural bounty are some of the best in the world. 

It's our duty as residents of this area, whether born and raised or transplanted to teach outsiders about our region and to promote it and take care of it.  Introduce someone to bluegrass or a fried apple pie or take a friend from out of town hiking on the AT.  This region has so much to offer and it's up to us to sustain it and help it grow.  It's not fair to keep all this to ourselves, the rest of the world needs to see what a treasure we have. 

So next time you are traveling or hosting out of town guests showcase our region.  Let them experience the best of what we have to offer, quaint down towns, gorgeous trails, rivers, and lakes and some of the best music and food around. 

Stop and appreciate the June bugs, mountain air and the twang of a banjo, be proud to be Appalachian!

The Good Ol' Days...

Everyone likes to talk about the good ol' days when you used to walk to the corner store and pick up a Coke for a nickel and you knew the shop owner and most everyone you met on the way there.  Well, gone are the days of Coke for a nickel but you can still hold on to a little piece of Americana by getting to know your local shop owner.  Local businesses provide a certain level of personal service that is almost unattainable at a big chain store.  That personal service creates a bond between you and the owner, creating a feeling of trust and friendship.  Buying from someone you know and trust always feels better than buying from a total stranger whom you know nothing about. 

These days it is more important than ever to support local businesses.  They are an integral part of the fabric of your community.  Times are tight for most people so make sure the dollars you do spend are going to a place you want to support.  That's where the 3/50 Project comes in.  Their philosophy is simple, choose 3 businesses that you would really hate to lose and spend just $50 per month supporting those businesses.  According to the 3/50 Project, if half of the employed population would spend that amount it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue!  That would have a tremendous impact on the local economy.  Another interesting fact from 3/50, for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 is returned to the local economy, if you spend in a national chain only $43 remains in your locality.  If you spend on line...nothing stays at home. 

Next time you are looking for a special gift or just an everyday purchase think of your local retailer.  They carry unique items you can't get just anywhere and you may just make a friend.

Visit the3/50Project for more information.

Don't forget about Mama!

What would we do without Mom?  She is always there when we need her, and asks little in return.  Next weekend is Mother's Day, the one day of the year that we pencil Mom in our schedule and show her how much we appreciate her.  Sometimes it's Sunday Brunch, sometimes it's flowers, sometimes it's just a phone call so she knows we are thinking about her.  This year let's go a step further.  Let's spend time shopping for a gift that won't wilt. 

Letting mom know that you didn't just stop by the local grocery store on the way to her house and pick up the last remaining hanging basket will show her that she's no ordinary mom.  Put a little thought into what you get her, because she deserves it. 

We have compiled a list of gifts that mom is sure to appreciate.

Does your Mama love music?

Here's a list of items that would be good for a mom who knows how to play or wishes she did.

1. A new instrument. If your mom is extra special why not buy her that new guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, dobro,autoharp, dulcimer or fiddle she's been wanting?

2. Does mom need a new strap for her string instrument?  A nice new soft leather strap or one with a feminine print or color would be a great gift for mom.

3. A new pick would also bring a smile to mom's face.  A Papa's brand Coral pick would be just the thing to show her how much she means to you.

4. If you just can't decide just go with a Gift Card.  All women love to shop especially when they are spending someone else's money!


If your Mother isn't a musician here is a list of other gifts she will enjoy.

1. A book by a local author.  This could be a true story, a mystery or just something to get lost in sitting on the porch on a sunny evening.

2. A CD to listen to, everyone appreciates a good tune.  Just the thing to play in the car while she is running errands and making sure all of  life's little necessities are taken care of.

3. A handmade basket to fill with little luxuries.  Handmade baskets are high quality and beautiful for mom to fill with whatever she likes.

4. Locally made jewelry would also make mom's day.  What lady wouldn't love a new necklace or a special pair of earrings. 

All of these things and more are available at Capo's Music Store.  We would love to help you make Mom's day extra special. 

Be sure mom's gift is unique and out of the ordinary.  The best way to do this is by shopping local.  Local stores have handmade and specialty items that big box stores don't have.  Show mom that you think she's one of a kind and help support your local economy.

It's time for a Jam Session

What is a Jam Session you ask?

A jam session consists of a slew of musicians with different playing styles and different instruments joining together to play unique versions of songs that most people know the lyrics to. Getting a group of musicians together like that can create some interesting sounds and different takes on popular songs. Forming a group of classical style guitar players mixed with bluegrass banjo and perhaps even set of bongos can create some really memorable sounds. The purpose is not to perfectly recreate that tune you hear on the radio but to put a fresh spin on a song that blends the personalities and styles of all the musicians in the group.

Jams have always been popular on front porches, around campfires, at family gatherings and even in your local business after hours. There is no right or wrong way to jam, its about playing, practicing and learning from your fellow musicians. Learning to jump into a song and contribute your brand of musical improvisation can be intimidating, but finding a good group to play with can make it a lot easier. Watching other people who may be more experienced can help you become a better musician and a better performer. But Jams aren't just beneficial to beginners. Experienced players can hone their skills and even learn a thing or two from those around them. It's a great way to become a well rounded versatile musician. Exposing yourself to different styles of music can really help you develop a style that is uniquely yours. You may even learn a new song or two!

Go out and find a local jam session to join. Local music stores or venues often have jam sessions in the evening where musicians from all skill levels can join in and have fun. Even if you aren't a musician yourself you can go and appreciate the talent on display. It always helps if the players have an audience ready to applaud at the end of a song.

Here at Capo's we have an Acoustic Jam every Saturday night starting at 6:30 pm. It's open to all skill levels and all styles of music. We have everything from guitars to harmonicas to washtub bases so bring what you play and join in, or bring your ears and just listen. It's a great time.

New @ Capo's...J.Bovier Mandolins and Tanglewood Guitars

Here at Capo's we seek to find the best and most exciting instrument brands available. We love to find companies that aren't available just anywhere, and provide our customers a chance to try them out. We especially love to find companies that have an interesting story and keep a hands on approach to building their instruments. We try to support family businesses and bring their quality instruments directly to you, our customers.

That brings us to one of the newest members of the Capo's family, J. Bovier Mandolins. J.Bovier was started by Jeff Coward. Jeff had a passion for mandolins which led him to start J. Bovier Mandolins. He set out to produce a line of mid priced mandolins that offer superior quality and sound.

Jeff worked with the manufacturers to fine tune the prototypes until he had a line of economically priced mandolins that could compete with, and in some cases out perform many higher priced mandolins. Jeff and his son worked together to create an instrument line that is as nice to look at, as it is to play.

You can read the full J. Bovier article at www.jazzmando.com/new/archives/001080.shtml or check out their website www.jbovier.net.

We have also started carrying Tanglewood Guitars. They are the #1 selling brand of guitars in the United Kingdom. Tanglewood strives to create an instrument, that above all else has great playability and tone. They desire to create an instrument for all price points so that every musician can access an instrument of great quality and design. Tanglewood offers quality woods and finishes to suit every taste and budget, and they stand behind each one with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.


To find a Tanglewood Guitar that fits your needs check out their website at www.tanglewoodguitars.com.


If you have never played a J. Bovier Mandolin or a Tanglewood Guitar come by and try one for yourself, you'll be glad you did. We have several styles of J. Bovier Mandolins and Tanglewood Guitars available here at Capo's and more on the way!! Please call or come by to see what's available.

Strings

The strings on your instrument are as important as the notes in the music. They can change the way you play, how it feels and how it sounds. It's important to educate yourself about the proper types of strings and to experiment with different brands to find the one that you like. Not everyone will agree on what is the best type of string, that's an individual choice, but if you know what you are looking for in a set of strings then you can make an educated decision on which brands to try.

Strings are made from different types of metals. The most common being the 80/20 Bronze strings. These are made from 80% nickel and 20% phosphor. These strings deliver the brightest sound. While Phosphor Bronze strings, which are mostly made from a phosphor alloy, deliver a warmer sound. Choosing one of these types of strings depends on the type of sound you are looking for.

In 2009 Red Brand released the Copper Bronze string. This string contains more Copper and produces it's own unique sound.

There are also coated strings which prolong the life of the string. These strings can last 3 times as long as traditional strings. Some people complain that coated strings feel different or have a dull sound compared to traditional strings. Cleartone brand claims to have the thinnest coating on their strings which is said to produce a clearer sound. Most coated string manufacturers only coat 4 strings while Cleartone coats all 6. This could be a good option for people

When should you change your strings? Of course if you break one it should be replaced. If you play everyday you should change your strings once a month, or when the strings start to look or sound worn. Strings that are visibly tarnished or dirty looking should definitely be changed. Old strings can effect the sound of your instrument.

Here at Capo's we seek to educate and provide accurate information to our customers so they can have the best musical experience possible. That's why we offer String Clinics at our store. At a String Clinic we teach you the basics of caring for, changing and choosing your strings. Call or comeby our store to ask about our next String Clinic date.